Gaming's Most Unlikely Love Story Takes Shape from Clay and Glue
When it comes to video games, we're often accustomed to the familiar hum of code, the glow of screens, and the crunch of keyboards. But what if the next big thing came in the form of clay, fabric, and glue? The game that's been making waves at gaming events is a stop-motion adventure like no other - Out of Words.
Developed by a 40-strong studio in Aarhus, Denmark, this game is an unusual love story crafted from handcrafted assets, including puppets made from wood, iron, and clay. Yes, you read that right - the team is as likely to be stuck with glue and fabric as they are with code. According to Johan Oettinger, the game's director, "Something magical happens when real materials are formed to represent a character... it gives a sincerity that makes the character more real than any other form of storytelling."
At its core, Out of Words is about two young characters, Kurt and Karla, on the brink of first love. The game takes players on a journey of discovery, mirroring their evolving relationship as they navigate through challenges together. But what sets this game apart from others in the adventure genre is its co-operative play element - players experience all the highs and lows together.
The studio's approach to game design is deeply rooted in their passion for art and storytelling. According to Mariano Pugliese, a game developer, "The same enthusiasm is shared between the puppet maker turning wood and iron into a character and the CG artist adjusting the sets in the game." Even the puzzles are built on emotion, with one featuring a giant clay face that twists and shifts around when players walk onto it.
Out of Words isn't just about bosses or high scores - it's an adventure of human personal connection. According to Oettinger, "You must treasure the immense adventure it is to express your love to someone for the first time." The ambitions are lofty: "We basically want you to remember this experience for the rest of your life."
The game's unique approach has already caught the attention of gaming legends, with Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima praising the team. And now, fans can look forward to experiencing Out of Words on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox in 2026.
In an era where games are increasingly focused on technology and performance, Out of Words is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, it's the human touch that truly makes a game special.
When it comes to video games, we're often accustomed to the familiar hum of code, the glow of screens, and the crunch of keyboards. But what if the next big thing came in the form of clay, fabric, and glue? The game that's been making waves at gaming events is a stop-motion adventure like no other - Out of Words.
Developed by a 40-strong studio in Aarhus, Denmark, this game is an unusual love story crafted from handcrafted assets, including puppets made from wood, iron, and clay. Yes, you read that right - the team is as likely to be stuck with glue and fabric as they are with code. According to Johan Oettinger, the game's director, "Something magical happens when real materials are formed to represent a character... it gives a sincerity that makes the character more real than any other form of storytelling."
At its core, Out of Words is about two young characters, Kurt and Karla, on the brink of first love. The game takes players on a journey of discovery, mirroring their evolving relationship as they navigate through challenges together. But what sets this game apart from others in the adventure genre is its co-operative play element - players experience all the highs and lows together.
The studio's approach to game design is deeply rooted in their passion for art and storytelling. According to Mariano Pugliese, a game developer, "The same enthusiasm is shared between the puppet maker turning wood and iron into a character and the CG artist adjusting the sets in the game." Even the puzzles are built on emotion, with one featuring a giant clay face that twists and shifts around when players walk onto it.
Out of Words isn't just about bosses or high scores - it's an adventure of human personal connection. According to Oettinger, "You must treasure the immense adventure it is to express your love to someone for the first time." The ambitions are lofty: "We basically want you to remember this experience for the rest of your life."
The game's unique approach has already caught the attention of gaming legends, with Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima praising the team. And now, fans can look forward to experiencing Out of Words on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox in 2026.
In an era where games are increasingly focused on technology and performance, Out of Words is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, it's the human touch that truly makes a game special.